Search

Sisters to celebrate 350th anniversary

VANCOUVER—The Sisters
of the Child Jesus are gearing up to celebrate a whopping 350 years of work in
education and service to the poor.

The big
event, set for Aug. 11, will include Mass and a free mix and mingle reception
at St. Mary’s Church in Vancouver.

“It’s a way
of giving thanks to God for his faithfulness to us and the faithfulness of the
sisters who have gone before us,” said Sister Denece Billesberger, SEJ.

The
congregation is marking 350 years since their foundress, French-born Anne Marie
Martel, began teaching catechism to poor children in 1667 at age 21.

“When Anne
Marie started her work, she never knew she established a religious
congregation.”

Martel was
not a nun and died only a few years later, in 1673. The congregation of the Sisters
of the Child Jesus, inspired by her work, was officially established three
years after her death. They were initially called the Ladies of the Instruction
of the Child Jesus.

The work we do is much the same as the work Anne Marie did. She did it in her day; we do it in our day.Sister Denece Billesberger, SEJ

“The work
that we do is much the same as the work that Anne Marie did. She did it in her
day; we do it in our day,” said Sister Billesberger. Martel would teach the
basics of the faith to poor women, street children, and lace makers. She also emptied
bedpans and did other physical work in hospitals.

The Sisters
of the Child Jesus have since brought that same legacy of instruction and works
of mercy to Africa, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, and Vietnam.

In Canada,
they have built and staffed a handful of Catholic elementary and high schools,
served in parish ministries, worked as nurses, and served in groups such as L’Arche
and Personality and Human Relations
International.

Honouring
the 350th anniversary “is a celebration of the many women who have gone before
us and have left us our legacy,” said Sister Billesberger.

The sisters invite the community to join them as they observe the
milestone starting with Mass at St. Mary’s at 5 p.m. It will be followed by a
free reception. Sister Billesberger said the sisters have invited many former
students, including several bishops. No tickets are required.